Question Number: 12928

Law 9 - The Ball in and out of Play 5/31/2006

RE: Rec Under 8

Steve Kemme of Spring Lake, MI USA asks...

While watching a U10 girls tournament game the ball was out but the ref didn't blow his wistle, just pointed that it was a goal kick. The girl centered the ball in front of the net and the teammate blocked the ball down with her forarms, the other ref went to blow his whistle while the girl kicked the ball into the net and then the ref said the goal was good. Is there anything a coach can do about this call after the game? This cost our team bonus points for the tournament.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

There were two referees? Peachy, just peachy. Once play has restarted nothing can be done. No coach should ever allow his team to play with two referees as far as I'm concerned.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Steve,
the only game FIFA allows two referees is futsal. AT u-8 if a single referee cannot keep up with play there is something seriously amiss.
Just having a rant feel free to ignore the rest! ;o)
I know that the 2 referee system is used in tournaments due to limited number of referees and to conserve the legs as as many as 15 to 18 matches are being done over a three day period. Totally insane and those that do it regularily are setting the performance standards. Monetary rewards and the wear and tear on the older referees all factor in the equation but I prefer a system of 4 referees per field . Two acting as AR 1 as CR and the 4th as a 4th offical . You pay $100.00 to each for a 4 game set that each rotate through all positions. 1 stint at center 2 stints as AR and 1 stint as 4th. If they treated the officials with respect, decent pay, food and shelter tournaments would become fun rather than ordeals to be endured with expenditures of time and money away from family.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Please say you misspoke and there was really only one referee with a whistle and 2 ARs. The 3 man system is the ONLY system allowed by FIFA and USSF and with good reason. There's nothing you can do. the people responsible for this tournament were stupid enough to use an illegal system and the referee's decision is final. That said, the first referee should have overruled the second as the ball was out of play before it was centered and the subsequent score. I know this is only U8 and the games are supposed to be fun, but it's no fun for the kids to lose unfairly. In the future, check with the tournament rules beforehand. If there is not a full contingent of 3 referees, don't participate. There are plenty of tournaments that use the proper number of referees.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

One of the many possible things that can go wrong with the 2 man system. Once a referee stops play, then play has stopped. Sounds as if the first referee called the ball out of play so he should have stepped in and said no goal. As Always,